In a deeply disturbing case from Karnataka, police have arrested twelve individuals, including the father and grandmother of a minor girl, for allegedly forcing her into prostitution for financial gain. The arrests were made in Chikkamagaluru district on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, following a complaint filed by the victim.
The Tragic Backstory and Exploitation
The minor girl had lost her mother and was living with relatives. After completing her schooling, she returned to live with her father. According to the Chikkamagaluru police, the alleged exploitation began in December 2025. The father reportedly took the girl to her grandmother's house for a stay. She was sent back on a subsequent visit, which is when the horrific incidents are said to have occurred.
A key accused, identified as Bharat Shetty, had been frequently visiting the grandmother's house and had developed a close association with both the father and the daughter. With the father's alleged consent, Shetty took the minor girl to Mangaluru. During the journey, the girl expressed feeling uncomfortable to her father, but her concerns were reportedly ignored.
Horrific Details of the Assault
In her complaint, the minor stated that Bharat Shetty later brought four to five men who forced her into sexual acts. Men aged between 20 and 45 years sexually assaulted her one after another. Despite her repeated pleas, the accused ignored her, claiming they had paid money to Shetty. The abuse allegedly continued the following day, with the girl being pressured to engage in similar acts again.
Legal Action and Ongoing Probe
Based on the girl's detailed complaint, the police swiftly acted and arrested the twelve accused. Those taken into custody include the father, the grandmother, Bharat Shetty, and other individuals involved in the racket. The police have registered a case under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the network and ensure all perpetrators face justice. This case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the grim reality of child sexual exploitation and the betrayal of trust by family members.
